There is a longstanding Jewish tradition that being called to the Torah for an Aliyah on Yom Kippur is a great source of merit and blessing. Each of the honors listed below serves as an aliyah—a spiritual elevation—for the oleh (the person receiving the honor) and for his or her family. Acquiring one of these honors is a meaningful segulah for blessing throughout the coming year, while also fulfilling the great mitzvah of tzedakah by helping support our community.
Below is a brief description of the unique segulot traditionally associated with each honor. A segulah is a spiritual source of blessing that our sages have associated with a particular mitzvah or act.
In many synagogues, these honors are auctioned during the Yom Kippur services. To make the process easier, we will accept bids by email or text before Yom Kippur. If you prefer, you are also welcome to speak with me privately during the services.
Anyone may purchase a mitzvah, whether or not they will be attending the services.
Please let me know by email at rabbi@chabadw60s.com or by text/WhatsApp which honor you would like to bid on and your bid amount.
The amounts listed below are suggested opening bids. Please feel free to bid any amount.
Kol Nidrei
1) Opening of the Ark. (Suggested opening bid $1800)
It is very meritorious for one to open the Ark, and take out the Torah-scrolls to be held during Kol Nidrei. While removing the Sifrei Torah one should kiss and caress them while confessing his sins
Opening the Ark, especially the first one, funnels through the blessings of G‑d.
2) Holding the Torah Scrolls (Suggested opening bid. 1st Torah $2600, 2nd Torah $1800)
It is taught: It is a source of merit to hold any of the scrolls – especially the first one – during Kol Nidrei and is a very great privilege (Yesod v'Shoresh ha'Avodah; Ari Z"L).
This honor stands you right next to the cantor installing you as a member of the ecclesiastical court, which annuls all unfulfilled vows, thereby, dispensing forgiveness to the Jewish community.
3) By David a Psalm (Suggested opening bid $3600)
The Talmud (Shabbat 119a) tells of a wealthy man who would recite this psalm before beginning his meal to express his gratitude to G‑d and to acknowledge His benevolence. We, too, recite it now on the holiest day of the year in acknowledgment of G‑d's annual blessings. Some have a custom to add a silent Kabalistic prayer (Chida).
This honor procures the blessings of prosperity and wealth.
4) Maftir Yonah (Suggested opening bid $26,000) Reserved
This is the most important Aliyah of the day, as well as the last. Tradition tells us that buying this honor is a special segulah for wealth. In communities the world over this merit is bought for thousands of dollars. Remember, you reap what you sow. There can be no better investment than this.
5) Neilah – "The Closing Prayer" (Suggested opening bid $2600)
This is the final Ark opening of Yom Kippur. Suffice it to say, this is truly the end – the chatimah – of our service and petition to G‑d. This is your final chance, before the "Gates of Heaven" close ("Neilah").
With this honor you are the "gatekeeper" for our final supplications. Tradition tells us that the one who merits opening the Ark for Neilah will be blessed with long life!
Kol Nidrei Eve Ark Openings
May our Supplication Ascend (Suggested opening bid $360)
This Piyut of unknown origin introduces the evening supplications. It is a plea for G‑d to accept our prayers favorably.
This honor enables one to personally request G‑d for the fulfillment of one's needs.
Pardon the Wrongdoings (Suggested opening bid $360)
This verse was Moses' plea to G‑d that He forgive Israel after the sin of the Spies. In the prayers of Yom Kippur, we too beg for forgiveness.
This honor merits Salachti – "I forgive" – from G‑d.
Indeed as the Clay (Suggested opening bid $360)
Here we acknowledge that we are in G‑d's Hands as clay is in the hands of the potter.
This honor allows you to be a tool in G‑d's Hands.
Hear our Voice **(Suggested opening bid $540)
The theme expressed by this collection of verses is that we must rely upon G‑d to desire our survival, and, therefore, to help us come closer to Him through repentance.
This honor assures one not to be cast into "old age," mentally and physically.
Our Father, our King ** (Suggested opening bid $540)
This prayer was, at its core, composed by R' Akiva which brought the end to a drought. This formula became a feature of our prayers during fasts and at other times of need. Yom Kippur is such a time.
This honor affords one fulfillment of all requests and petitions.
Morning Reading of the Torah (Suggested opening bid per Aliya $1800)
It is customary to sell the privilege of being called to the Torah on Yom Kipur. One should extend oneself to purchase an Aliyah if possible. The number of people called to the Torah on Yom Kippur is six, with the addition of the Maftir (and its Haftorah).
Kohen.-1st Aliyah
"Aaron's two sons…" (Nadav and Avihu). The passing of Aaron's righteous sons is relevant to the spirit of Yom Kippur, for: "Just as Yom Kippur brings atonement, so, too, does the death of the righteous…" (Vayikra Rabba, 20:12).
This honor, the Zohar teaches, takes the place of the sacrifices on Yom Kippur.
Levi - 2nd Aliyah
"…And for his household." Aaron's confession is for the sake of his immediate and extended family (the Kohanim).
Be a part of the priestly family and gain atonement through its High Priest.
Shlishi - 3rd Aliyah
"…Who dwells with them amid their contamination." Our service to G‑d causes Him to abide within and among us. This is the ultimate mission of the Jew.
This honor brings you within the proximity of G‑d's Divine glory.
Rvi'I - 4th Aliyah
"All the iniquities." Unlike the offerings mentioned previously, which atoned for sins involving contamination and the Temple, this (the Azazel) atoned for all transgressions over the past year (Shavuot 2b)
Purchasing this honor goes a long way in wiping your slate completely clean.
Chamishi- 5th Aliyah
"For through this day atonement will be made for you, to purify you…" The essence of the day itself atones (Yoma)!
Take the honor you will come out smelling like a rose.
Shishi - 6th Aliyah
"This shall be an eternal statute to bring atonement upon the Children of Israel."
If you haven't had a chance, this is the last one before Maftir, to really atone for the past.
Maftir
The Haftorah read for this Maftir is a selection from Isaiah chosen because of its focus on the proper manner of penitence. The prophet harshly criticizes those who think they can gain appeasement from G‑d by merely fasting and through physical affliction devoid of inner-conviction. Instead, he urges; true repentance involves extreme kindness and charity and changing one's ways.
By acquiring this honor you epitomize what Isaiah wanted from Israel, thereby finding favor in G‑d's Eyes.
Raising of the Torah Scrolls (Suggested opening bid $180)
When raising the Torah one "raises with it all the previous Aliyot" and receives reward for all the Aliyot rolled in one (Shulchan Aruch).
Wrapping of the Torah Scrolls (Suggested opening bid $180)
HaKol holeich achar ha'chitum ("Everything goes according to the end")! Children may participate in this honor.
As it is with the previous honor, you receive a measure of reward for all the Aliyot purchased heretofore.
Shachrit Ark Openings
Repetition of the Amida [Opening Rendition] (Suggested opening bid $180)
The one opening the Ark becomes an emissary – together with the cantor – for the congregation in their prayers and supplication to G‑d. In a sense he is opening the gateway to allow our prayers to ascend Heavenward, while allowing the blessings of Al-mighty G‑d to descend upon us.
You are our G‑d (Suggested opening bid $180)
This stirring piyut (poem) speaks of the power and sovereignty of G‑d. It reiterates the theme that the Days of Awe is dedicated to proclaiming G‑d as the true king. One who opens the Ark is crowning the Al-mighty with this prayer.
This honor makes you a guardian of the Royal Crown.
Extol G‑d (Suggested opening bid $180)
The word Imru ("extol") is an acrostic for E-l Melech rachum v'chanun ("G‑d, the King, merciful and gracious").
This honor will shower G‑d's mercy and grace upon you.
Power and Trustworthiness (Suggested opening bid $180)
This is a song recited by the angels. On Yom Kippur when Israel rises to the level of the angels, they also recite this angelic song.
This honor makes you a Malach Elokim – "Emissary of G‑d" – to His people.
To the G‑d Who Arranges Judgment (Suggested opening bid $180)
Being that we all praise G‑d today, we now specify the praises due Him in this prose. The importance of this prayer – being that it is also the introduction to Kedusha – mandates that we stand during its recitation.
This honor allows for G‑d's "arrangement" of merciful judgment upon you.
Hear our Voice **(Suggested opening bid $360)
See above for commentary and accompanying honor.
Our Father, our King ** (Suggested opening bid $540)
See above for commentary and accompanying honor.
Removal of the Sifrei Torah (Suggested opening bid $180)
Opening of the Ark and Removal of Both Sifrei Torah
Kabala reveals that the opening of the Ark and removal of the Sifrei Torah opens the treasure trove of blessings from On-High. This applies especially so to one whose wife is pregnant, assuring an easy delivery.
Mussaf Ark Openings
Repetition of the Amida [Opening Rendition] (Suggested opening bid $180)
In addition to this being the beginning of all the Mussaf Ark openings, in this opening the cantor seeks permission and justification for interrupting the core repetition of the Amida with piyutim (prose) authored and based on the tradition of our wise and discerning teachers. They felt the day itself called forth for additional prayer during the liturgy.
See above for accompanying honor
Unetaneh Tokef ** (Suggested opening bid $540)
This prayer is considered to be the most stirring composition in the entire liturgy of the Days of Awe. Written by R' Amnon of Mainz, 1000 years ago. The local bishop insisted that R' Amnon, whom he considered a friend and trusted advisor, convert to Christianity. To buy some time, R' Amnon requested a three day grace period before replying to the request/demand. Upon returning home he was overly distraught at having given the impression that he was even considering such an overture.
He spent the next three days in solitude and prayer and did not return to the bishop at the appointed time. Finally, the bishop had him brought under guard and demanded an answer. R' Amnon replied that his tongue should be cut out for even hinting that he would consider the matter. Furious, the bishop responded that the crime lay not in his tongue [for what he said], but in his legs, for not showing up at the appointed time. He then ordered R' Amnon's legs be severed one by one, and then in turn, each hand and arm. Prior to each amputation, he was asked if he would convert, and each time he refused. He was finally carried home maimed and mutilated.
When Rosh Hashanah arrived, R' Amnon asked to brought before the open Ark. Before the congregation recited the Kedusha (sanctifying G‑d and His Glory), he introduced this heartfelt rendition of surrender to G‑d, at the conclusion of which he gave up his pure soul to Heaven.
Three days later R' Amnon appeared in a dream to R' Klonimus b. Meshullam and taught him the text of the prayer and asked him to ensure that it be inserted forever after into the liturgy. R' Amnon's wish was carried out and the prayer has become an integral part of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services (Ohr Zaru'a).
The beauty of this prayer and basis upon which it was formed makes it one of the greatest honors to acquire.
Extol G‑d (Suggested opening bid $180)
See above for commentary and accompanying honor.
He Holds in His Hand (Suggested opening bid $180)
Having just proclaimed our total subordination to G‑d, upon Whom everything rests, we now describe His majesty: All knowing, All-powerful and All merciful.
Imagine G‑d's mercy and favor enveloping you when opening the Ark at this time.
It is Incumbent upon us to Praise (Suggested opening bid $180)
With this familiar prayer we acknowledge G‑d's kingship over the entire Universe. Joshua composed Aleinu after crossing the Jordan River into Israel (Rokeach, Kol Bo, Rav Hai Gaon). The Bach explains that Aleinu was added to implant faith in G‑d, King of all kings. It is at this time that we prostrate ourselves in utter subjugation to Him as they did in the Temple of old.
Hear our Voice ** (Suggested opening bid $360)
See above for commentary and accompanying honor.
On this Day Strengthen Us (Suggested opening bid $180)
This final Ark opening of the daytime prayer assuredly contains within it all the previous Ark openings of the day's lengthy service. As stated by our Sages: "Everything follows the seal (the end)."
This honor, no doubt, will "strengthen you" in the coming year.
Mincha Ark Openings & Torah Reading
Opening of the Ark and Removal of the Sefer Torah
See above for commentary and accompanying honor.
Haggbah & Galilah (Suggested opening bid $180)
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